Hundreds of shoppers have made their way to shopping centres to make the most of the Black Friday deals.
Churchill Square in Brighton was busy this afternoon as shoppers took the opportunity to get some savings ahead of Christmas.
Staff at the shopping centre said it was “already busy” but that they were expecting it to get busier as the day went on.
According to national data, retailers have seen a “steady start” to Black Friday trading after fears the cost-of-living crisis could weigh on shoppers.
Barclaycard payments has revelead that sales volumes this morning have been consistent with what was recorded on Black Friday last year.
Marc Pettican, head of Barclaycard Payments, said: “Our data shows that Black Friday is off to a steady start this year, despite the challenging economic backdrop.
“When looking at spending on the morning of Black Friday, so far today, transaction volumes are broadly in line with what we saw this time last year.
Many deals in store are the same as online, but some in store exclusives at Churchill Square include three for two on all products at the new Paperchase, and special discounts for the first 150 customers at Footasylum on Friday and Saturday.
But some Argus readers said they would stay at home again this year, arguing that discounts are just as good online.
Donald Martin said: “Are they really bargains when you compare to prices throughout the year? I’m buying online for lower prices.”
Stu Coyle said: “Just order online. Better deals and less muppets to bump into.”
Once a single day, Black Friday now runs through the weekend and into Cyber Monday, which marks the start of week of discounts known as Cyber Week.
Many retailers will continue their discounts throughout this period, but consumer experts and watchdogs have warned customers to be savvy.
Consumer expert Martin Lewis put out his Black Friday motto to prevent customers from overspending.
He said: “If you were going to buy it anyway and it's half price, you've saved 50 per cent.
"If you weren't going to buy it, but do because it's half price you've wasted 100 per cent.”
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